Monthly Archives: August 2009

Writers need libraries. Not just for the books. Not just for the DVDs, CDs, local history section, reference section, information about what’s on and the freedom to browse for as long as you wish when it’s pouring down with rain and you haven’t got enough money to buy a coffee… Children’s writers especially need libraries […]

Writers need libraries. Not just for the books. Not just for the DVDs, CDs, local history section, reference section, information about what’s on and the freedom to browse for as long as you wish when it’s pouring down with rain and you haven’t got enough money to buy a coffee… Children’s writers especially need libraries […]

I have just returned from two days in sunny Lancashire, taking part in the Library Services’ Quest Seekers summer scheme. I visited Clitheroe’s fabulous library first, working with families in what used to be the old court room. It did have a certain medieval charm to it that enhanced our creative output no end. Here’s […]

August means summer holidays and the start of the footy season and the middle of the cricket season and … the dreaded exam results. This week, A levels, next week GCSEs. Watch for the headlines screaming ‘Dumbing Down Britain’ because GCSE/ A level results are better than average or because they’re the opposite and really […]

Nettie Honeyball organised the first official women’s football match in 1895. Yep, 1895. In her honour, I named the league in my books after her and my team after Lily Parr of Dick, Kerr’s Ladies. At the National Football Museum in Preston they have this rather fetching replica of the kit worn in Nettie’s time, […]

Wednesday August 5th was the official launch of Girls FC and I couldn’t have asked for a better kick-off for the first four books in the series. Over eighty people turned up to join in the fun at the National Football Museum on Preston. Walker, the publishers, did me proud. Annalie, my assistant editor, even […]